Christine Frost
Central North Regional Coordinator
Ph: 07 281 1137
Mob: 027 501 0393

Wow 2023, and here we are February already! I hope that recent weather events have not impacted you too much, and that your holiday break was without stress, and you managed to get in some ‘you’ time.  My break was pretty full on with day trips, lots of kai and plenty of fun.

BACK TO SCHOOL!  The preparation for school has been a little challenging as we have one starting primary school and one starting high school.

As you could imagine the anxiety levels are high, however the other two that are already at primary and high school have been very supportive, giving encouragement and explaining how things work – nicely playing the role of leadership I say!

Sometimes allowing our tamariki to take the lead, strengthens their skills and abilities. We often take on so much that we forget we have taught our tamariki well, so they are able to step up.

Go easy with yourselves and your tamariki, as it often takes three or four weeks for everyone to settle back into the routines and structures again.

WAITANGI DAY! 
Whatever you do on Waitangi Day, make the most of it.  I’m sure there will be things happening in your area, maybe pop in and check it out.

Here in Rotorua we will be celebrating Waitangi Day at the “For the love of the People” event held in Ohinemutu, Rotorua, on – Monday 6^th February   10am – 3pm.

Entertainment, kai, prizes, kapa haka, stalls, guided tours, interactive displays and more.  Come down and check it out!  If it is anything like it has been the last two times its going to be an awesome day out for all!!!

SUPPORT

Our Support Groups will be starting back in March so keep an ear out for what’s happening in your area.

My days of work are Tuesday to Friday 8.45am-3.30pm. At times I’m away travelling around our region for training and support so please ring / text me if you’d like to pop into my office for a cuppa or catch up ph/text: 027 501 0393.

We are also eager to help members connect and share with one another. If you want to start a caregiver group in your area, please let me know so that we can get one up and running this year.

Important Reminder

Just a reminder there is still time to apply for the School and Year Start-up Payment (closes 28 February) and the Extraordinary Care Fund (the next round of applications closes 17 February). More information about each of these Work and Income NZ entitlements can be found at School and Year Start-up Payment – Work and Income  and Extraordinary Care Fund – Work and Income

TRAINING

We have a new learning module in term one, Helping Children Feel Safe – providing structure & supervision. I will be presenting this in Rotorua on the 9th February. To find out more and register go to the training calendar below.

I look forward to catching up with you around the Central North Region as we continue our DDP Therapeutic Parenting journey.  It has been such a privilege to be on this journey as a fellow caregiver recapping and learning new ways to parent.

Listening to other caregivers’ experiences and situations can often give us a light bulb moment.  It also helps you realise that you are not alone, and that what you are facing, is often what another person in the room is, or has faced.  Finding out how they dealt with the situation, and what worked and what didn’t, is a nice takeaway for you to use if you wish.

Come along and join us if you can, you won’t regret it!

EVENTS

Foster Care Awareness Week is all about you.  We will be holding the following event in Tauranga to celebrate all our wonderful caregivers.

Foster Care Awareness Week Extravaganza

Saturday 11th March, 10:00AM – 1:00PM at Memorial Park, Tauranga

If you would like to attend this event please click on the link below to our Foster Care Awareness Week page on our website and look for the Central North Events.

If you are not a member of our private Facebook group, please join to receive the latest updates from me as well as to connect with others. 

I look forward to catching up with you this term, please do not hesitate to call or email me.  I am here even if you need just a listening ear.

Nga mihi nui

Christine